Hi, new here. I have had a2009 RX350 for like 8 years. I do know that the alternator was replaced 1x before I got it, based on the Lexus website. I have replaced it 3 other times since. So apparently there is an issue with alternators? Currently, I can start the car and drive without a problem, but before I can even get out of the driveway, I have all of my dash "alerts" lit up. I googled and it said it could be an alternator problem. I do have a newer battery from Interstate Batteries from 2/2019, and the last Alternator that was replaced was 3/29/2018. I bought the vehicle with 68k miles on it, at 109k the engine blew, and Lexus completely replaced it. Huge kudos to their customer service. I am currently at 164k.
Any ideas on what my issue could be? I assume the 1st one that failed was an EOM, as was the 2nd since Lexus replaced an original. But the ones since, have not been Lexus branded.

I added in a photo off my lights:



Thanks!

 

first things first, I'd have the alternator checked, as possibly a diode or the regulator is shot & as when the alternator isn't charging its not good for the battery.....Seems like you've run into some cheap poor quality alternators....Yea I could see it going out w/ miles/years.....I ended up replacing the alternator on our rx in late '19 as the regulator was bad......Have the new replacement bench tested a couple times before its installed......I went w/ a Ultima r110131a from oreilly auto parts...Only light that should come on is the red battery light, as IDK what other lights you have on as well....BTW, I'd replace the rubber oil cooler hoses replaced w/ metal ones......Seems like one of your rubber oil cooler hoses busted & leaked all of the engine oil out, hence needing a replacement engine.....

 

[QUOTE=.Seems like one of your rubber oil cooler hoses busted & leaked all of the engine oil out, hence needing a replacement engine.....[/QUOTE]

Yep, exactly what happened! They didn't want to sent out a recall for it, but if it happens, they will cover it

I will check on the other stuff, thanks!

 

Something is killing your alternator... I would start with this problem first.

 

I agree. What could or would that problem be?

 

I just did the alternator. Was a PITA.

Who is doing yours?
How are these failing? Electrical/brush or mechanical bearing failures?
Are you installing the correct one? There are 2, one is 130 amps for towing and one is 100 amps.
Have you also replaced the belt?
Have you replaced the pulley?

 

I have never done it myself, I always have a shop do it. I guess I am not sure if they are checking all of the different parts to make sure those are good too. Do they normally do that when they go in to change one? I apologize, I am a female, and know little about cars.

 

Are you using the same shop? Or different ones for the different alternator's you've had replaced? Your going to find shops use different ones as far as who remans them. There should be a warranty as well, possibly a year parts/labor....I had the alternator replaced using a oreilly's reman R110131a which is a 100amp one.......Have them bench test the alternator before its installed....The regulator was what went out the Christmas week of '19 when I had it tested. I'd have it tested to see what went out, you can have it done in the car or once its replaced, have them bench test it. For the most part, i'd think its a regulator or a diode. Like mentioned above, a new Gates belt & a tensioner is a good to do as its easier while the shop is replacing it. On a another note, I'd make sure that the oil cooler hoses are metal vs the oem rubber. Dorman #625-022 is what I used & I also swapped out the bank one(rear head) oil line that feeds the vvt as the oem is spiced w/ a rubber hose for some reason, as the front bank oil line is all metal. I went to Lexus to get that oil line.....

 

It Has been 4 completely different shops. They did say there are 2 different alternators for the make/year, and mine was the more expensive of the 2. If they put a higher amp one than what I need, would it cause issues?

 

They offered a 100 & 130 amp alt's.....For some reason the lower amp alternator was $15. more. I went w/ the original rated 100amp.....The 130 will bolt in & work......

 

Denso (OE MFR) themselves recommend using a higher output alternator to reduce stress on the system - therefore extending the life. You can take the 150 amp alternator from the 2010-2015 RX350 as it also has the 2GR-FE engine, which uses the same alternator mounting setup. I would go for it, should you ever want to upgrade your sound system or run many accessories, your car will have an easier time running them.